Professional Independent Communicators (PIC) Executive 2022-2023
Jacqui DeBique, Chair
Jacqui DeBique is a seasoned communication professional with 25+ years’ experience in non-profit communications. By day, she is Communications & Knowledge Transfer Manager, intrepidly championing the mission and vision of Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). At other times, when the right opportunity presents itself, Jacqui helps organizations “get their words out,” both literally and figuratively, under her consultancy Quite Write Communications.
She started her career in advertising in Montreal and has since worked as a professional communicator with a range of organizations that exposed her to the worlds of microfinance, marginalized youth, parenting, education and healthcare. A communications generalist, with a passion for strategy, writing and editing, Jacqui is an active volunteer who most often gives back as a subject matter expert in the field of communications. Looking for Jacqui outside of work and volunteering? Well, you may just find her in a writing workshop honing her creative writing skills.
Jacqui’s passion for IABC was reignited in the last several years while enjoying the many benefits of membership, actively learning and sharing in various IABC Special Interest Groups, and volunteering as an OVATION Awards judge in 2022.
PIC Chair responsibilities:
- Lead a team of volunteers that meets the professional development, networking and marketing needs of local independent communicators
- Lead PIC executive meetings
- Assist with executing PIC events
- Represent PIC to the public
Arlene Amitirigala, Past Chair
Arlene Amitirigala is a global communications strategist with extensive experience delivering integrated communication strategies to drive enhanced reputation and better performance. Whether it’s marketing communications, change management, event planning, internal communications & engagement, or guiding C-suite executives, she is known for leading inclusively to deliver the best outcomes possible. As a writer, podcaster, and award-winning Toastmaster, she thrives on using storytelling to impart universal wisdom in new and refreshing ways.
Born in Jamaica, Arlene has lived and worked in several different countries. She now resides in Toronto from where she provides communication services to a range of clients through TrulyArlene Communications.
Her academic qualifications include an undergraduate degree in Journalism and a Master’s in Communication for Social and Behaviour Change from the University of The West Indies. She also holds a postgraduate certificate in Global Marketing Communication & Advertising from Emerson College, and an MBA from the Solvay Management School in Belgium. Arlene lives by the mantra, “always do your best’”
PIC Past Chair responsibilities:
- Stand in for PIC chair when she cannot attend a PIC function
- Participate in PIC executive meetings
- Provide input on PIC events and activities
- Contribute to conversations on PIC’s LinkedIn group
- Share news about PIC events and activities on Twitter
Sue Horner, Co-Director of Communications
Sue Horner loves to be the “go-to” writer for small communications teams who need writing that has warmth and personality.
Sue launched Get It Write in 1991 and has used her experience as a corporate communicator to help companies connect with their employees through digital and print communications. She is particularly known for turning complicated, dense information into readable and understandable content — for intranets and websites, feature articles, newsletters, profiles and more. Clients appreciate Sue’s ability to find the human angle in any story, capture the essence of a discussion and provide a fresh perspective on a routine subject.
Sue is an active member of PIC and was on the executive from 2004 to 2006 as well as from 2013 to 2019 as Director, Communications. She introduced the PIC newsletter to improve communication and connection between members. She is also one of the founders of IABC/Toronto’s West-end Communicators group.
Sue has a BA in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University.
PIC Co-Director of Communications responsibilities:
- Plan, develop and maintain communication with PIC members so they receive high-quality, timely information about the programs, services and benefits of PIC
- Write (or assign) copy for the monthly PIC e-newsletter
- Generate PIC-related content for IABC/Toronto e-Lerts
- Design the monthly PIC newsletter The Buzz
- Collaborate with Programming portfolio to conceptualize graphics for PIC social and Professional Development events
- Design graphics and marketing collateral for PIC events and special projects
Augustine (Austine) Fischer, Co-Director of Communications
Austine is a strategic communications professional with a passion for storytelling, content creation and public relations, driving stakeholder engagement and enhancing brand reputation. He has experience in the financial, energy, retail and logistics sectors in Europe, Africa and North America, tailoring executive messages to ensure inclusion, build trust and improve employee engagement. He has used his skills to support business leaders, positioning them as thought leaders in their fields, enhancing brand awareness and reputation. Austine has an MBA focused on marketing, and a graduate certificate in content strategy.
PIC Co-Director of Communications responsibilities:
- Plan, develop and maintain communication with PIC members so they receive high-quality, timely information about the programs, services and benefits of PIC
- Write (or assign) copy for the monthly PIC e-newsletter
- Generate PIC-related content for IABC/Toronto e-Lerts
- Design the monthly PIC newsletter The Buzz
- Collaborate with Programming portfolio to conceptualize graphics for PIC social and Professional Development events
- Design graphics and marketing collateral for PIC events and special projects
Christopher Trotman, Co-Director of Programming
Christopher Trotman leads Trotman Communications, a boutique communications and marketing firm that supports not-for-profit healthcare organizations across Canada with strategic communications. He’s a Swiss Army knife for community health centres, providing support ranging from website copy and PR campaigns to signage for a new centre. Clients work with him to develop communications strategies that speak to and influence their most important stakeholders.
Catharine Heddle, Co-Director of Programming
Catharine Heddle is an award-winning independent communications strategist, writer and project manager. Clients turn to her for smart counsel, insights and results they can count on. Through her company, Lamplighter Communications, she provides independent communications consulting services with a specialty in corporate, internal and leadership communications. Catharine helps clients build meaningful, trusting connections with the people whose opinions, actions and support matter to them. From there, she works with her clients to engage, inform, inspire and motivate those people. She is available for communications projects, interim or fractional team leadership and support.
PIC Director of Programming responsibilities:
- Create and manage professional development and social events across the PIC calendar
- Attract new members and existing members to re-engage with the group
- Position PIC as the go-to group for independents when learning new trends as a professional communicator
- Encourage continued conversation and resource sharing outside PIC events
Maureen Hosein, ABC, Director of Membership
Maureen has a depth of experience leading communications in both the public and private sectors. She creates timely and engaging brand-led content across a range of channels to defined audiences. Maureen has a solid reputation for astute communications planning, developing compelling narrative and best-in-class execution for high-profile organizations such as American Express, TD and Toronto Community Housing. An experienced leader in employee engagement, Maureen holds a critical lens to all corporate and internal collateral materials to build world-class communications targeted to employee audiences.
PIC Director of Membership responsibilities:
- Foster PIC membership within and outside of IABC/Toronto
- Communicate IABC/Toronto chapter benefits to non-members
- Liaise with PIC members
- Promote networking connections at PIC events
Brent Artemchuk, Director of Marketing & Sponsorship
Brent Artemchuk is a senior leader with expertise in global brand management, internal/external communications, marketing communications, media/public relations and change management in both B2B and B2C environments. During his 20 years of experience, he’s created a successful track record of developing digital and traditional programs that promote stakeholder engagement, increase brand awareness and deliver against strategic objectives. Brent loves to lead transformational change and provide senior executives with advice on how to build organizations of value while mitigating risk. Brent currently works at TD Bank where he manages strategic change programs, organizational effectiveness and inclusion and diversity initiatives.
PIC Director, Marketing & Sponsorship Responsibilities:
- Make IABC/Toronto chapter members aware of PIC members and the services they offer
- Encourage and promote PIC member services within and outside of IABC
- Facilitate networking connections for PIC members with IABC/Toronto chapter members and beyond